Device for Developing and Correcting the Swing of a Baseball Bat

ABSTRACT

Baseball bat swing trainers, including trainers for improving a user&#39;s swing of a baseball bat are described herein. In some examples, the device includes a sleeve having a bar and a sleeve connector. In some further examples, device includes a pair of specially designed gloves. In some further examples, the device includes a resistance means and an anchoring means.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to baseball equipment. In particular, training devices and systems for improving a user's swing of a baseball bat are described.

Known training systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing methods and devices for improving a player's batting average (the number of hits divided by the number of at bats) rely on drills and repetitive exercises that require the player to simply hit a high number of baseballs. These types of drills and exercises typically do not include swing correcting mechanisms. Sometimes, a player will also incorporate specialized weights, grips, and other uniquely designed equipment that focuses on conditioning targeted groups of muscles.

Many times, a particular drill or piece of equipment will focus on increasing bat swing speed (via weights), ways to hold a bat properly (via grips), or how to connect the bat with the appropriate part of the ball (via stand-alone cages), and ways to stand at the plate (via the assistance of a coach or trainer). Training equipment also includes weights that the user may attach to a portion of the bat to increase bat swing speed, digital apps to analyze the player's swing, hitting tees on which a ball may be positioned, and in limited cases, specialized grips.

Typical baseball bat swing perfectors do not take into account the player's physiology and skill level. They operate under the presumption of at least some modicum of skill, that is to say, they operate more as swing perfectors, as opposed to swing training. In addition, this type of equipment can be prohibitively expensive for the novice baseball player, especially where digital equipment is concerned. Also, modem equipment also requires a great deal of space to operate and requires a specialized area such as a baseball diamond or a large field.

Thus, there exists a need for baseball bat swing training equipment that improves upon and advance the design of known bat swing perfectors. A baseball swing trainer should be easy to use, portable, and cheap to manufacture. Examples of new and useful swing trainers relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a device for improving a user's swing of a baseball bat. In some examples, the device includes a sleeve having a bat and a sleeve connector. In some further examples, device includes a pair of specially designed gloves. In some further examples, the device includes a resistance means and an anchoring means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a baseball bat swing training device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a resistance tube of the baseball bat swing training device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the baseball bat swing training device shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a perspective view of a pair of gloves of the baseball bat swing training device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the baseball bat swing training device shown in FIG. 1 as it is being used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed baseball bat swing trainer will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various baseball bat swing trainers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundancy explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

The baseball bat swing trainer comprises a system that includes specialized gloves, a uniquely designed sleeve, a resistance means, and an anchor. Working in concert, these components connect with a standard aluminum or wooden baseball bat to provide a simple yet effective means for a baseball player to adopt the proper swinging technique for hitting a baseball. It is durable, portable, and takes into account the player's unique physiology and skill level. It is easy to use and cheap to manufacture.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a first example of a baseball bat swing training system, trainer 100, will now be described. Trainer 100 functions to train and perfect a baseball player's hat swing to increase the number and quality of baseball hits. The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that trainer 100 addresses shortcomings of conventional baseball bat swing perfectors.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, trainer 100 includes a tube 110, a bat sleeve 125, a pair of gloves 135 that are used in connection with a standard baseball bat 170. Trainer 100 also utilizes an anchoring means 160 (shown in FIG. 5).

As can be seen in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of tube 110 is shown. In some embodiments (not shown), trainer 100 includes different kinds of tubes that have differing lengths, variable connecting means, and changeable elastic properties. Thus, trainer 100 includes a variable number of tube 110, where each of the tubes provides a tensile force that increases or decreases in proportion to the length and width of the tube. It is an object of the present invention that tube 110 comprises a uniquely configured tube according to the user's unique physiology and strength. When using the apparatus, then, the user may select a tube 110 that provides the desired resistance correlating tot the range of motions employed. In this manner, the user determines the appropriate amount of resistance that meets his or her unique goals, body type, physical ability, and skill level.

In the present embodiment, tube 110 comprises an elastic cord 111 disposed between a proximal end 116, and a distal end 112. As can be seen, elastic cord 111 has two ends, the first of which terminates in proximal end 116 and the second of which terminates in distal end 112 as shown. As can be seen, proximal end 116 comprises a proximal loop 117 and a proximal end securing means 118. Distal end 112 comprises distal end connecting means 113, distal end loop 114, and distal end securing means 115.

In the present embodiment, proximal end 116 has been inserted through proximal loop 117 means loop 155 as shown. In this manner, proximal end 116 is securely held in place by proximal end cord securing means 118 on first tube 110. Similarly, distal end 112 has been inserted through distal end 112 as shown. In this manner, proximal end 116 is securely held in place by distal end cord securing means 115 on first tube 110.

The reader will also appreciate that tube 110 may comprise any elastomeric material suitable for resistance training, such as, for example synthetic and natural fibers, rubber, polymers, or other materials that possess inherent elasticity suitable for the invention's intended purpose. Further, in the present example, distal connecting means 113 comprises a swivel eye hook, however it is an object of the present invention that other suitable attaching means may be employed on one or both ends of tube 110 such as carabiners, hooks, snaps, rings, U-bolts, clasps, and the like. In alternative embodiments (not shown) proximal loop 117 may attach to a swivel eye hook, however it is an object of the present invention that other suitable attaching means may be employed on one or both ends of tube 110 such as carabiners, hooks, snaps, rings, U-bolts, clasps, and the like. In this manner, cord 110 may be completely removed from trainer 110 such that an alternative configuration of tube 110 may be attached.

Turning attention to FIG. 3, a uniquely configured bat sleeve, sleeve 125 is shown and described. As can be seen, sleeve 125 comprises sheath 126 and a reinforcement 127 having a sleeve connecting means 128. When in use, the player will fit sleeve 125 over the barrel of the bat 174 such that barrel 174 is substantially covered and a small portion end cap 175 is exposed as shown. When sleeve 125 is in place, reinforcement 127 is positioned lengthwise along barrel 174 and sleeve connecting means 128 is disposed substantially between the end cap 175 and handle 172. In this manner, sleeve connecting means functions as a fulcrum that, in conjunction with tube 110, modifies the player's swing appropriately. In the present embodiment, sleeve connecting means is attached to distal end connecting means 113, however, as alluded to above, in alternative embodiment wherein proximal end 116 terminates in a connecting means such as a swivel hook, the user may attach proximal end 116 to sleeve connector 116 without departing from the scope of the invention. Finally, sleeve 126 may comprise any elastomeric material such as polymers, copolymers, rubber, latex, sturdy fabric, or other materials suitable for creating a snug fit over barrel 174.

With attention to FIGS. 4A and 4B, gloves 135 are shown and described. The reader will appreciate that gloves 135 comprises a left glove 136 and a right glove 144. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, left glove 136 compromises a left first finger 137, a left second finger 138, a left third finger 139, a left fourth finger 140, a left thumb 141, and a left palm 142. Left-glove further comprises a left cradle 143. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4B, right glove 144 compromises a right first finger 145, a right second finger 146, a right third finger 147, a right fourth finger 148, a right thumb 149, and a right palm 150. Right glove further comprises a right cradle 151.

The reader will appreciate that each cradle is positioned on the palm of each glove and positioned beneath the fingers. Thus, left cradle 143 and right cradle 151 are positioned on the palms of each glove (142, 150) between the thumb and fourth finger of each glove and below the first second and third fingers as shown. Further, the dimensions of left cradle 143 and right cradle 151 are complimentary to grip and handle of the bat (171, 172). In this manner, bat grip 171 is positioned firmly within left cradle 143 and right cradle 151 such that when in use, trainer 100 requires the player to grip, and therefore swing, the bat appropriately and also controls the movement of the bat as the player swings it.

Referring finally to FIG. 5, an exemplary use of trainer 100 is shown. In the present figure, the player is right handed, thus right glove is positioned higher on the grip closer to the handle. It is to be understood that it is an object of the present invention to be used with any player, regardless of which hand is dominant. Thus, in alternative embodiments (not shown) if the player is left handed, left glove 136 will be in the position on the grip that is closer to the handle.

As mentioned above, trainer 100 employs an anchoring means 160 in order to facilitate proper form. As can be seen, the user is wearing pair of gloves 135 and has attached bat sleeve 125 over bat 170. In the present embodiment, tube 110 is attached to bat sleeve connecting means receiver 129 via proximal loop 117. The user has also attached distal end 112 to distal connecting means receiver 129.

In some embodiments, anchoring means may be a vertical substrate and in alternative embodiments (not shown) anchoring means 160 may comprise a horizontal substrate such as a weighted plate or other suitable means sufficient to act as an anchor for trainer 100 as the user engages in the range of motions incident to swinging a baseball bat. By way of example, anchoring means in FIG. 5 comprises a chain link fence, however, in alternative embodiments (not shown) anchoring means 160 may comprise a post or other suitable anchoring means sufficient to act as an anchor for trainer 100 as the user engages in the range of motions incident to swinging a baseball bat. In this manner, trainer acts to correct the player's swing in a manner consistent with his or her unique needs and physiology.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring not excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A device, comprising: a sleeve comprising a horizontally disposed bar and wherein the bar further comprises a sleeve connector; at least one resistance means comprising an elongated elastic member having proximal end and a distal end; and an anchoring means.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve further comprises a tightening zone having a first portion, a second portion, the first portion and second portion each having of a plurality of vertically opposed apertures.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the sleeve further comprises a cord having a first end and a second end, the sleeve being removably tightened around the barrel of a baseball bat, and wherein: the first end of said cord is removably inserted into each of said plurality of vertically opposed apertures; the first end and the second end are pulled in horizontally opposing directions; the first portion and the second portion are brought close together; and wherein the tightening zone is compressed horizontally around the barrel of a baseball bat.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring means further comprises an anchoring means top side and an anchoring means underside.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring means topside is substantially dome shaped, the anchoring means underside is substantially disc shaped and wherein the anchoring means further comprises an anchoring means attaching means affixed to the anchoring means top side and wherein the anchoring means underside is weighted and is configured to be removably placed on a horizontal substrate.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring means is a stationary vertical substrate having a vertical connecting means.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein a handle of a baseball bat is removably received by the cradle.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the resistance means is removably coupled to the anchoring means and the distal end of the resistance means is removably coupled to the sleeve connector.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second resistance means having a proximal end and a distal end and wherein the proximal end of the resistance means is removably coupled to the sleeve connector; wherein the distal end of the resistance means is removably coupled to the proximal end of the second resistance means; and wherein the distal end of the second resistance means is removably coupled to the anchoring means.
 10. The device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of resistance means and wherein the plurality of resistance means comprises elongated elastic members having differing lengths.
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